A Winter’s Gift with Erica O’Reilly | S6 Ep38

About this episode

In this episode, Erica O’Reilly shares an original tale featuring An Chailleach, the ancient grandmother spirit of Irish folklore, and discusses the transformative power of storytelling.

Write Your Book With Us In 2026 The Authors’ Knot Program , February - November 2026 Registration is open now for our intimate 10-month online writing program for thought leaders, memoirists, novelists. and heart-led visionaries working on a book or another “big project.” Learn more and apply to join the Authors’ Knot. Our Story In this original tale by Erica O’Reilly, we meet An Chailleach, the ancient grandmother spirit of Irish folklore. Though the Cailleach is often associated with fierce energy, she is also the gentlest of goddesses. In this story, she comes to the aid of a little boy who needs her help navigating his first Christmas without his mother. Our Guest Erica O’Reilly is an Irish-Canadian storyteller, spiritual counsellor, and ordained minister whose work is rooted in the transformative power of story. Supported by the ancestral Irish traditions of the Mná Feasa (Wise Women), the Mná Ghlùline (Soul Midwives), the Mná Leigheas (Medicine Women), and the Áes Dána (People of the Arts), she believes deeply in facilitating experiences where souls feel seen, heard, and held. She lives on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation As the Creative Visionary…

People in this episode

Host: Marisa Goudy

Guest: Erica O’Reilly

Topics covered

• Irish folklore
• storytelling
• spirituality
• Christmas
• cultural heritage

Keywords

• Irish folklore
• An Chailleach
• storytelling
• Christmas
• spirituality
• Erica O’Reilly
• Authors’ Knot

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Into the Circle Theatre

Books & works: A Winter’s Gift

Places: Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation

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